Shingley Beach Resort Airlie Beach

... had been drinking as soon as they had finished cleaning the boat after we left. LJ was a little gutted because the fit dive instructor Ryan didn't turn up, so she latched herself on to Big Steve and danced with him for a while. Jaegermester is obviously a good cure for a sore throat and a cold cause she was hyperactive bouncing around everywhere. We called it a night before midnight leaving everyone else behind but we had to catch a bus at 9 in the morning ...

... there are 74 in total) for more snorkelling...... more sunbathing on deck... dolphin-spotting..... then they took us to a tiny sand island to watch sunset with beers and snacks.... really nice view - islands in the distance which the sun set over.... (and more amazing shells for my collection!)
Back on the boat for more great food (steak!) and the card and drinking games commenced one again.... this time a few more people joined us and got as alarmingly drunk as we did ...

... night. Back to bed as we had another trip the next day.

The next day, we were booked on a sailing trip around the Whitsundays on a purple catamaran called ‘Camira’ (thanks Lizzie and Tara for the recommendation!) It was an all inclusive day with eskies of soft drinks, beer and wine and lots of food which was great. We started off snorkelling by one of the islands which was nothing compared to yesterday but still pretty cool. We then ...

... of our wants and needs, and we knew we could add anything extra if desired. Anyway we didn’t know all the specifics when booking the package until our formal itinerary arrived, and in the case of the Whitsundays the package operator booked us on the Sailing with Snorkelling, we did some research on the company we were sailing with and notice they also did a Whiteheaven Beach Sailing trip, we knew we had a snorkelling trip booked in Cairns and ...

... underwater with their breathing and came up a bit quick. The snorkeling was much better at this location and very deep! Our second dive spot was the amazing Luncheon Bay also where Captin Cook's ship ran aground whilst navigating the islands. As soon as we anchored the fish were circling the boat, in particular a couple of very friendly Maouri Wrasse fish who they have named George and Priscilla. They are huge and are so tame they even let you stroke them. I ...

... cool photos and was DJ Lee chosing songs from my Walkman. Kove, Kenny, Steven, Shaz and Amber all did Snorkel bombs (where the person puts on a snorkel mask and gets someone to pour beer down the breathing tube), consuming Goon and Toohey!!! We then played party games, which took about 15 mins for Shaz to explain the rules to us noisy and wasted backpackers. We first played a game involving passing tennis balls ...

... when we bo*rded the bo*t *nd st*rted s*iling off we *ll decided to h*ve * few bevvies *nd so the drinking st*rted. This is where the trip re*lly st*rted for me *s we were *ll sitting *t the top of the bo*t getting to know e*ch other re*lly well *nd h*ving * good ol drink of the 'Goon'. Turned into * hil*rious yet messy night with us *ll getting pretty sm*shed. Me *nd Brend*n took in turns of pretending to pl*y c*pt*in *s we stole B*z the c*pt*ins skipper h*t. We found it ...

... on the reef. There's a great man made lagoon in town which is fantastic but way too cold to swim in. We got a standby rate for a nigh on Hamilton Island so we could visit Vella, Jess and Jack. It was such a very beautiful island with immaculate gardens, pools and beach. We got to stay in a fantastic room and slept in a bed- such luxury!! We were so tempted to stay another night but didn't, so returned to our palace on wheels in Airlie Bch.

... snorkling reefs off Hook Island where i saw with a giant (at least 4 feet long!) Maori Wrasse fish.

i had been told by so many not to miss the Whitsundays, and i was disapointed when i was unable to experience them the first time i came to Airlie Beach. i am so glad i made the effort to come back and enjoy them as they're meant to be enjoyed.... on the water!